Kolkata Airport is set to undergo a significant transformation with an Rs 5,000-crore expansion plan.
The project will introduce a new integrated terminal for both domestic and international travellers, designed to handle 1.1 crore passengers annually. Construction will begin next August with the demolition of the old domestic terminal and air traffic services building.
According to Airport Director DR. PRAVAT RANJAN BEURIA, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) aims to complete the expansion within six years, enhancing Kolkata’s role as a key hub for flights to East and Southeast Asia.
Current terminal capacity is expected to be fully utilized by 2030-31, prompting an interim expansion to increase the annual capacity from 2.6 crore to 2.8 crore passengers. Despite recent pandemic impacts, passenger traffic is recovering, with 1.9 crore travellers in 2023-24, up from 2.2 crore in 2019-20.
The new terminal will feature – a U-shaped design with three sections for check-in, security, baggage handling, boarding, and aerobridges, aiming to optimize space and accommodate more passengers.
The construction will proceed in phases:
Phase1 will build the main terminal with one concourse.
Phase2 will add a second concourse, ensuring ongoing operations throughout the development.
